Leaders of Provident Bank and Hope for Children Research Foundation recently came together to celebrate the lender’s $10,000 donation to the nonprofit organization. From left: Salvatore Frassetto, Maura Sullivan, Paul Ciancimino, Michelle Oates, Robert McKee, Bart Oates and David Green — Courtesy: Hope for Children Research Foundation
By Joshua Burd
Provident Bank is stepping up to help families facing the unimaginable.
Hope for Children Research Foundation, a nonprofit that supports pediatric research, advocacy and programs that benefit children facing serious medical challenges, announced last week that it received a $10,000 donation from the Iselin-based lender. The gift provides not only an infusion of funds but continued awareness of its work to ease the burden of families that face mounting medical expenses, travel costs, specialized treatments and countless unforeseen challenges tied to diagnoses of cancer or neurological diseases.
Community leaders and dedicated supporters recently came together to celebrate the donation.
“This generous gift from Provident Bank is an investment in hope,” said Michelle Oates, president of Hope for Children Research Foundation. “When a family is caring for a child with these diseases, every bit of support matters. Partnerships like this remind parents that they have an entire community standing beside them, believing in brighter days ahead. We are incredibly grateful for Provident Bank’s compassion and generosity.”
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ramsey-based organization were Oates as well as its co-chairs, Salvatore Frassetto and Bart Oates, and fellow board member David Green. Representing Provident Bank were Maura Sullivan, commercial real estate relationship manager and Hope for Children board member, as well as Paul Ciancimino, senior vice president and regional director for the metro New Jersey and New York region, and Robert McKee, commercial real estate team leader.
“We’re honored to support the Hope for Children Research Foundation and the extraordinary work they do,” Sullivan said. “Their mission touches lives in a very real way, and we hope this contribution helps provide comfort, encouragement and resources to families navigating incredibly difficult circumstances. We are proud to play a small part in helping make a difference.”
Provident has long believed that strong communities are built through meaningful relationships and giving back to organizations that create lasting change, according to a news release. Its support of Hope for Children Research Foundation reflects that commitment, helping extend its reach and the services it provides to children and families in need.
“Hope is created through people who care enough to step forward,” said Bart Oates, a two-time Super Bowl champion and New York Giants legend. “Provident Bank’s generosity will help children and families who are facing some of life’s toughest battles. Donations like this don’t simply fund research — they remind families that they are surrounded by people who believe in them and want to help them succeed.”
The Hope for Children Research Foundation continues to bring together businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers who share a common purpose: improving the lives of children affected by pediatric cancer and neurological disease, the news release said. Every contribution helps the foundation continue supporting families while advancing research that brings the medical community closer to new treatments and better outcomes.
More than 7,000 donors and volunteers have supported the foundation over the past 40 years, according to its website, which noted that it has raised and donated more than $7.5 million for medical research to help children.
“When businesses like Provident Bank choose to support our mission, they’re helping us provide more than financial assistance,” said Frassetto, chairman of Saddleback Real Estate Developers. “They’re helping provide hope, encouragement and the promise that no family has to face these challenges alone.”
Oates, Frassetto named co-chairs of Hope for Children Research Foundation advisory board
